The Dog Writers Association of America announced that sponsors have added 11 new special awards to this year's writing contest and an additional $7,900 in cash prizes that brings the prize tally to $14,000. If you’ve been holding a story, now is the time to put pen to paper. Source: Germinder and Associates, July 10, 2017. The Dog Writers Association of America is the most … [Read more...]
New ideas about implanting feedyard heifers
We don’t see a lot about implanting these days. This article features Merck Animal Health nutritionist Marshall Streeter, PhD, as he outlined some of the research conducted in preparation for release of a new heifer implant. Since most implant research has been conducted with from steers, Merck’s new data could improve our understanding of implant use in feedyard … [Read more...]
Opinion – Tufts studies patient-therapy animal risk
This topic has taken a long time to surface. Personally, I’ve often wondered about zoonotic risks from taking therapy animals into hospitals and nursing homes. While human patients receive many benefits from animal visits, the reality is that facilities are not monitoring or managing the risks. Guidelines for safety, health and monitoring do exist, with one set from the AVMA … [Read more...]
Early weaning is hard on pigs
Speaking about his research findings, Adam Moeser, DVM, discussed the pathophysiology of stress-induced gastrointestinal disorders in animals and people during a recent meeting in Rome, Italy. He explained that during postnatal life, major developmental changes take place in the enteric nervous system of pigs. Because the GI systems are undergoing development during this time, … [Read more...]
Microchip comparison matrix
Microchipping remains a controversial subject with pet owners. To help, comparing microchips is easy with the chart in this infographic. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, “A study of more than 7,700 stray animals at animal shelters showed that dogs without microchips were returned to their owners 21.9 percent of the time, whereas microchipped dogs were … [Read more...]
Anesthetic monitoring: interpret the readings correctly
Monitors have improved veterinary medicine. But, a monitor cannot save a life unless the team member monitoring the patient understands the readings and can determine when the monitor is wrong. Any values differing from normal parameters should be investigated to determine whether they are life-threatening or merely glitches in the equipment. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, … [Read more...]
Anesthesia, quiz yourself
From adverse effects to age-related considerations, how much do you know about the many aspects of anesthesia? Veterinary teams and brave sales representatives can have fun with this quiz during a lunch and learn. Source: Clinician’s Brief, July 18, 2017. This self-quiz reviews 5 different aspects of anesthesiology in the small animal patient. For a complete discussion, … [Read more...]
Improve horse health with good fly control
House flies and stable flies have three prerequisites for successful completion of their life cycles: appropriate breeding materials, moisture and warmth, according to the Horse Industry Handbook. Eliminating any of these factors will minimize fly breeding. Source: AQHA Journal, July 13, 2018. Follow these simple tips for improving fly control Practice good … [Read more...]
The truth about tick control
Why clients don't buy tick control and other information is presented in this infographic. My pet never goes outside and other excuses. Source: Firstline, June 20, 2017. What veterinary clients don't know about tick control can hurt them. Here's a look at who's buying tick control, why clients resist and more. INSIGHTS: July and August are the heaviest summer vacation … [Read more...]
Transportation stress adds layer of risk
Greg Henderson writes about transporting cattle, but this content is applicable to pigs and horses, as well. Transportation stress remains a primary determinant of how much work awaits feedyard employees. “Cattle that are hauled long distances go through many types of stress which could include maternal separation (weaning), transportation, water and feed deprivation and more,” … [Read more...]
Cesar shares good topics of interest
Cesar Milan’s team does a nice job of covering several topics in a recent newsletter. They include: Coyotes, an urban threat to dogs Choosing pet insurance Protecting pets from wild animals Camping with Canines Source: Cesar’s Way, June 21, 2017. While it’s good to be in touch with nature, sometimes nature can intrude in unwanted ways. Just because you live in … [Read more...]
Functional foods’ effect on dog, cat health summarized
The journal Research in Veterinary Science recently published a meta-analysis of functional foods research in which it summarized 17 peer-reviewed studies on dog and cat food ingredients. While there may be some benefits to pets from the ingredients, reviewers urge caution. Source: Petfood Industry, July 2017. The ultimate success of functional pet foods will depend on … [Read more...]
Petfood e-commerce IS changing the industry
STOP. LOOK. LISTEN. As the internet age matures, online pet food purchasing options are spurring growth as a legitimate retail channel. “The channel making the biggest strides is the internet channel, which now ranks as the fifth largest for pet products and as the third largest for pet supplies,” said Packaged Facts in its U.S. Pet Market Outlook report, published in May … [Read more...]
Got horse, got manure
Retailers and veterinary teams alike get questions from horse owners about manure issues. Beyond the flies and obvious olfactory complaints from neighbors, what do you do with the manure? Natalie Voss addresses how to deal with the manure challenge. Source: Acreage Life, July 2017, page 23. A single horse can produce as much as nine tons of manure each year. All of it has … [Read more...]
Pets and hot cars don’t mix
An Ontario, California woman was arrested last Sunday on suspicion of animal cruelty after allegedly leaving two dogs and a cat inside a parked car while record-setting heat blasted away. One dog died. The American Veterinary Medical Association offers an educational poster at its Hot Cars and Loose Pets page. It also offers a chart of how hot the inside of a car gets on its … [Read more...]
Remember Beef Quality Assurance guidelines
Dan Thomson, DVM, Ph.D., reminds us to remember BQA guidelines when doing injections. Beef Quality Assurance is a nationally coordinated and state-implemented program. It provides ongoing information to U.S. beef producers and beef consumers about how common-sense husbandry techniques, coupled with scientific knowledge, work together to raise cattle under optimum management and … [Read more...]
10 tips to clip like a pro
Veterinarians rarely pay much attention to clipping and clippers, but they should. Poor technique and cleaning can affect the outcome of the surgery. Clipping patients extends well beyond surgery. And, clippers are a common source of frustration. Yet they are frequently abused, poorly cleaned and dropped regularly. Source: Veterinary Practice News, June 21, 2017. When all … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content: Addison Biological Laboratory featured
Congratulations to AHD sponsor, Addison Biological Laboratory, for being selected as a featured manufacturer for Spring 2017 by MWI Animal Health. The story featured Addison’s development of the first USDA conditional license for a commercial Moraxella Bovoculi Bacterin in early 2017. Moraxella bovoculi is frequently referred to as winter pinkeye. Source: Addison Biological … [Read more...]
Work at feeling successful
Lauren Siegfried shares some insights about the first 10 years of starting a career. She notes the restlessness often felt throughout careers which is not exclusive to the first decade. She suggests these things to set yourself up for success: Document your wins Contribute to team achievements Pursue a personal project Source: The Muse, July 11, 2017. According … [Read more...]
Speaking of mosquitos
We’re learning more about vector control in animal health. AHD sponsor Ceva Animal Health has helped our industry understand the need for mosquito control to help prevent heartworm. Its Double Defense protocol focuses on repelling and killing mosquitos outside the dog while killing heartworm larvae inside the dog. But what about you and me? Not all of the mosquito prevention … [Read more...]
Seven sins of decision-making (infographic)
Alaina Love says that decision-making sins can be grouped into seven categories, each of which has a distinct set of symptoms that play out in the culture of the organization. How well your organization makes decisions directly affects the quality of the people you are able to hire and retain, she says. Love shares an experience to support her perspective. It’s worth … [Read more...]
Seniors catching up on social media
A recent Nielsen report showed that the percentage of total media time spent on social media in the oldest demographic (50-plus) increased by a whopping 64 percent, to 20 percent. Grandparents and their peers are becoming social media converts as they use channels such as Facebook to keep in touch with their increasingly scattered families. Source: Adweek, June 26, … [Read more...]
Overweight pet population doesn’t mirror overweight owner population
You might think that states with the highest rates of overweight people would have the highest rates of overweight pets. This isn’t the case, according to a Banfield report about pet obesity that was mentioned in The Washington Post. Source: The Washington Post, June 27, 2017 (paywall). Not according to a new report based on the physiques of more than 2.5 million dogs and … [Read more...]
Dealing with July 4th fireworks and dogs
It is time to remember pets as July 4th celebrations get booming. We’ve gathered several posts about dogs and fireworks so you can review and share with staff and clients. Source: Animal Health Digest. See the posts revealed when AHD is searched for fireworks. … [Read more...]
Harness the cat and go for a walk
Sandy Robins shares ways to train a cat to walk on a leash. Doing so enriches the cat’s lifestyle by safely allowing her to enjoy the sights and sounds of the great outdoors. It’s also an excellent way of revving up her exercise routine. But, not all cats take to the harness and leash easily. Robins says kittens are easier to train than adults. Source: Catster, June 20, … [Read more...]
Research to help determine horse-to-rider weight guidelines
The Animal Health Trust (AHT) is launching a study this year that will help equestrian organizations create science-based guidelines for rider weight. According to AHT, an excessive weight burden can lead to horses with back problems, lameness, chronic pain and resistance to being ridden. The research promises to answer longstanding questions about rider-to-horse weight … [Read more...]
Compliance to payment card standards matter
This article sounds the alarm to awaken veterinary practice owners to a hidden liability that threatens the very livelihood of a practice—its ability to collect revenue. As much as 90 percent of revenue comes through credit and debit card transactions. Losing this service could devastate practices and businesses. The ability to scan a card does not make the business … [Read more...]
Couple saves baby kangaroos orphaned on Australian highway
This piece will elicit innumerable “awes,” especially from those interested in animal rescue. Josephine and Terry Brenna-Kuss have run an orphanage for joeys on the lonely South Australian section of the long Stuart Highway since 2008. Most come from females that were struck by cars or trucks. The video clips will bring smiles, too. Source: New York Times, June 26, 2017 … [Read more...]
Why cats lick
Jane A. Kelly offers reasons cats lick their owners. She shares when your cats lick you, it can be a compliment, a sign of stress, or more. Consider using this information in social media posts, websites and newsletters. Cat owners will appreciate the perspective. Source: Catster, June 13, 2017. Kelly shares these reasons: Cats lick as a means of social When your … [Read more...]
Heat stress brings lasting impacts in dairy cows for years
Heat stress in dairy cows is a timely topic. Recent research coupled with dairy producer experiences show impacts on the milking cows’ milk production, as well as a developing calf inside a heat-stressed dry cow. Source: Dairy Herd Management, June 21, 2017. A phenomenon called fetal programming means the DNA of the calf born from a dam who was heat stressed is permanently … [Read more...]